Workforce Development

The Community’s Challenge:

A majority of high school students graduate feel unsupported and underprepared to make college and career decisions… A majority of recent college graduates report being underprepared for the modern workplace… And a majority of HR leaders report that recent graduates lack the skills—like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking—that they need to succeed at work.

ETA’s Intergenerational Solution:

We bridge the gap between young people who need coaching and guidance to reach their career potential, and experienced people in their community who can draw on decades of professional and personal experience to can provide that support. Our volunteers support students on topics like

  • planning and goal-setting
  • college exploration
  • resumes
  • interview prep
  • financial literacy 101
  • verbal and nonverbal communication, both online and in-person
  • critical thinking and project planning
  • navigating leadership and teamwork at a professional level

Program Spotlight:

  • PathFinder is a program designed to support young adults in their career development journey by providing mentorship, professional growth opportunities, and real-world guidance from experienced professionals. 

Workforce Development

Workforce Development

Workforce Development

Youth: Ready to discover your path to success?

If you’re age 18-24 in Montgomery County, Maryland, and looking to explore your passions, build career skills, and connect with inspiring mentors—PathFinder is for you! This dynamic program is designed to help you unlock your potential, set goals, and take real steps toward your future. You’ll work one-on-one with a dedicated mentor who will support you every step of the way. Whether you’re in school, working, or figuring out your next move, PathFinder offers a supportive space to grow, learn, and lead. Topics will include, but are not limited to: Self-Assessment, Personal Branding & Career Exploration, Career Action Planning, Industry Exploration & Informational Interviews, Mock Interview Preparation, Future Planning. Register today and start shaping your journey!

Age 50+ and Interested in Volunteering?

Adults age 50 interested in volunteering? We build the schedule of these programs around the school or group we’re working with. Often, volunteers and students may meet weekly for several weeks or an entire semester, or for a few targeted sessions in a shorter time. Interested volunteers can fill out a volunteer application and join ETA’s Workforce Development volunteer team to hear announcements of upcoming projects — then, just sign up as you’re available!

Other Projects:

ETA is delivering a Financial Literacy Workshop Series to three area high schools, funded through a grant from the City of Gaithersburg. This program is developed and facilitated by older adult volunteers, many of whom are retired professionals from finance, accounting, and banking fields. ETA coaches volunteers to share personal experiences as they lead sessions, in order to engage students and make concepts relatable.

ETA volunteers serve as coaches and mentors in semester-long group projects with University of Maryland undergraduate students at the Universities of Shady Grove campus.

ETA volunteers have taught and coached young people in Montgomery County Recreation’s Teenworks program, a competitive volunteer and employment program for youth age 15-24 who have never been employed. Teenworks aims to provide young people with not just a job, but a meaningful experience and a path to careers in the nonprofit or public sector.

Sources: Post-Graduate Readiness Report ; Respected / Perspectives of Youth on High School & Social and Emotional Learning ;  Hult Survey of Recent College Graduates and Employers